Former vice presidents Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi and Prof Gilbert Bukenya yesterday formally endorsed minister Haruna Kasolo’s bid to become the vice chairperson for the Central Region (Buganda) in the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The two big shots accompanied Kasolo for his nomination at the NRM electoral commission offices and spoke glowingly of the minister of state for Microfinance.
Bukenya said Kasolo was in the best position to lobby for Buganda and help solve their problems such as poverty, land grabbing, supporting coffee farmers and women entrepreneurs.
Kasolo, dressed in a white long-sleeved shirt, yellow tie, and dark grey suit, arrived with a convoy of approximately 20 vehicles and was celebrated by supporters chanting his praises.
He addressed the media, expressing confidence in his ability to win back Buganda for the NRM by rebuilding trust and addressing regional concerns such as poverty alleviation, land grabbing, women and youth empowerment through programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Grow Women Enterprise, and restoring the dignity of Buganda in Ugandan politics.
At an after-nomination-party at Royal Suites Hotel in Bugolobi, Kasolo, who hails from Kyotera, spoke to enthusiastic supporters, reinforcing his commitment to mobilize Buganda effectively and address issues neglected by predecessors, including land grabbing and federal demands.
Former Kira Municipality mayor Mamerito Mugerwa praised his ability to deliver for the region. Kasolo’s wife, Dr. Ruth Kasolo, described him as a humble, dedicated leader, urging Buganda to support his bid.
Kasolo highlighted his track record, including his role in extending PDM initiatives to rural communities and mobilizing for NRM nationwide.
“Dear comrades of the NRM party I want to tell you that I have been officially nominated to contest as the vice chairperson of the NRM in Buganda. I assure the party especially President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni that I am the best candidate to win back the trust of the people of Buganda because I know what they want and we are in position to give them what they want,” Kasolo said.
He criticized opponents for selfish interests and failing to defend Buganda against challenges like land grabbing, which contributed to NRM’s losses in the 2021 elections. He promised to empower NRM parish committees through SACCOs, strengthen party structures, and lobby for government programs like PDM and Grow Women Enterprise, which he said would soon receive renewed World Bank funding.
Kasolo will face off with the incumbent Godfrey Kiwanda who has expressed interest to retain the seat. Some say the battle for the post could split NRM within Buganda where the party has already lost infleunce and support to the National Unity Platform (NUP).
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